Laying the foundations of phronesis (practical wisdom) through moral dilemma discussions in Chinese primary schools

Abstract

The present study explores how a moral dilemma discussion method in Chinese classroom settings can help develop some of the foundations of practical wisdom (phronesis). The study context focuses on Morality-and-Law classes in Chinese primary schools, which signal the beginning of the moral education curriculum. The study employs a qualitative approach, by interviewing 12 Morality-and-Law teachers from 10 Chinese Primary Schools to glean insights into the use of moral dilemma discussions in their classrooms—a tried-and-tested method of practical-wisdom cultivation. The findings suggest that while moral dilemma discussions are not alien to those Chinese teachers, they harbour both positive and negative perceptions towards such discussions. Most teachers recognise their value, and they have been used as one of the methods (among others) in those classes. The teachers do not pay much attention to the assessment element but simply use moral dilemmas as material to stimulate classroom discussions and foster students’ critical thinking/judgement, which can be seen as laying some of the foundations of practical wisdom from a neo-Aristotelian perspective.